Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday revealed that Meghalaya has received over 48,883 crore in tax devolution from the Central Government over the past decade-marking a 572% increase compared to the Rs 7,273 crore received during 2004-2014. During her visit to the state, Sitharaman addressed the media and highlighted the significant financial backing extended to Meghalaya under the NDA government. Grants-in-aid also nearly doubled, rising from Rs 19,700 crore in the previous decade to ₹40,452 crore between 2014 and 2024.
She credited the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme as a key driver of this financial transformation. Under SASCI, Meghalaya alone received Rs 5,471 crore in interest-free, long-term loans to build infrastructure and accelerate growth. The Northeast collectively received Rs 40,804 crore from the national disbursement of Rs 5.3 lakh crore.
The finance minister cited real-world impacts: over 90% of land maps and ownership records have been digitized, enabling rural citizens to access credit and start businesses. Across India, 25,000 outdated government vehicles have been scrapped to curb emissions, and hostels for working women are being built across India, including one in Meghalaya, whose foundation stone she laid during her visit.